As his opponents have gained support from some high profile politicians in recent days, District 8 supervisor candidate Rafael Mandelman won significant backing of his own. Monday, May 10 the San Francisco Labor Council endorsed his bid to succeed Supervisor Bevan Dufty, who is termed out this year and running for mayor in 2011.

The SF Labor Council is the local body of the AFL-CIO. According to its website, the nonprofit group represents more than 100,000 union members and their families in San Francisco who belong to more than 150 affiliated unions. The group’s endorsement will allow Mandelman to tap into its vast network to recruit campaign volunteers and help with his get-out-the-vote efforts come the fall.

“I’m deeply grateful for their support and will continue to champion economic justice for working people who are struggling to make ends meet in these tough economic times,” said Mandelman, a local attorney, in an email Tuesday announcing the group’s support.

Also this week Deputy District Attorney Rebecca Prozan earned the support of Assemblywoman Fiona Ma in her bid for the District 8 seat; while Assistant City Attorney Scott Wiener won the backing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein for his candidacy in the race.